In recent times, several federations in Ghana have faced significant funding challenges, leading to reduced participation in major international and continental competitions. Some teams have even been forced to withdraw entirely due to a lack of resources.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite Show, Mr. Ahmed, who also served as a Member of Parliament for the people of Weija-Gbawe constituency, highlighted funding as the most pressing issue facing sports development in Ghana.

“The biggest problem in Ghana sports is funding. Funding is a challenge, and that is the reason why many disciplines struggle in this country,” he said.

“I will plead for corporate bodies to come on board to assist the various sporting disciplines,” he added.

He recounted a personal experience where he had to borrow money to enable the national weightlifting team to participate in a competition in Uzbekistan—an outstanding debt he is still working to settle.

“I was in Uzbekistan for a competition, and I had to go and borrow before we were able to go and compete, and I am yet to pay that debt, so funding is a big challenge,” he shared.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has indicated that plans to establish a dedicated Sports Fund are at an advanced stage, aimed at providing sustainable financial support for sports development across the country.

The funding cut has already prompted President John Mahama to direct Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to seek alternative financial sources to bridge an estimated $156 million gap.

During his vetting on Monday, February 24, 2025, Thomas Ampem highlighted Ghana’s long-standing dependence on donor support for development initiatives but noted a consistent decline in aid inflows over the years.

“This happened at a time when we are in the process of preparing the 2025 budget, so I am sure the Minister will be able to make provisions to bridge the gap. This should bring us to the larger conversation about aid. We know that aid to our country has been dwindling over the years,” he stated.

He cited examples such as the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) ceasing its financial support to Ghana and the United Kingdom reducing its aid budget from 0.75% of its Gross National Product (GNP) to 0.5%.

“This should tell us that aid to our country will eventually dwindle to zero. The only difference between DANIDA and other donor funding compared to USAID is that the USAID withdrawal announcement came suddenly. But we have seen the trend, and it is important that we begin to plan our lives without aid and see what we can do for ourselves,” he told Parliament’s Appointment Committee.

Mr Ampem stressed that achieving economic self-reliance would require strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, expanding the tax base, and improving public spending efficiency.

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The program, which they say is a cornerstone of their academic and professional training, has been jeopardized due to the non-release of funds to the Scholarship Secretariat by the Ministry of Finance.

In an open letter addressed to the media and stakeholders, the students expressed frustration over the situation, which they say has left them in a state of uncertainty and despair.

According to the letter, the Scholarship Secretariat has failed to secure funding for the program since August 2024, despite repeated assurances of a resolution.

The Year Abroad Program is critical for students studying Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Kiswahili, and Spanish, as it provides immersive cultural and linguistic experiences essential for their studies and career aspirations. Without it, their academic progress could be significantly hindered.

Affected Students by Section:
• Arabic: 6 students
• Russian: 8 students
• Chinese: 5 students
• Kiswahili: 8 students
• Spanish: 5 students

The students also raised concerns about alleged embezzlement of funds earmarked for the program. They have called on government to investigate the matter to ensure transparency and accountability.

“This program is not just an academic requirement; it is essential for our professional growth and future opportunities,” the students stated in their letter. They added that many of them cannot afford to self-fund the program, and time is running out to secure their placement.

The students are calling on the Ministry of Finance and the Scholarship Secretariat to act swiftly to release the funds. They also appealed to the media and public to amplify their voices and push for a resolution.

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The funds remain inaccessible due to the deadlock in Parliament, which has been on an indefinite break over disagreements between the two main political parties about which holds the majority of seats.

“We should have passed some legislation to qualify for $300 million from the World Bank. However, the disbursement is delayed because those bills remain unpassed due to Parliament’s inactivity. This is just one example of how the stalemate has affected government business,” Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam said during a monthly economic update on Tuesday.

Despite the challenges, Dr. Amin Adam expressed optimism about resolving the impasse soon to unlock the funds and ensure minimal disruptions.

He affirmed the government’s readiness to present the mini-budget but noted that a resolution in Parliament is required to secure a confirmed date for the reading.

“The budget has already been submitted to Parliament. We are waiting for Parliament to convene. If this current session doesn’t approve it, the next one will. Certainly, if Parliament isn’t functioning, it hampers government operations.

“To say the economy has not been affected would be an understatement,” he admitted.

Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on December 16, 2024, raising hopes for progress on critical legislative business.

Source: Adomonline

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The headmaster, who only gave his name as Agya Kojo in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, they have been left to their fate with little or no support.

The heartbroken headmaster explained the woes of staff deepen each day as they crack their brains on how to solicit for funds in running the school.

Agya Kojo bemoaned their only form of funding which was through the Parent Teacher Association dues has also been cut off.

“The parents were helping the schools since the funds from government were not enough but in the second term of the 2018/19 academic year, the government directed all parents not to pay any money to the schools,” he said.

He noted the situation forced teachers to write exam questions on the board at that time since there was no exam printing fees.

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Agya Kojo said there have been times the schools took loans to fund operations and relied on contributions from teachers.

He maintained the Deputy Director General of Ghana Education Service was aware of their woes and despite the numerous stakeholders consultation, no result has been achieved.

The Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu at a news conference Monday questioned the sustainability of the policy, while demanding from government the source of funding.

But speaking at the launch of the free SHS policy in Accra Tuesday President Akufo-Addo said the funds will come from proceeds from the country’s natural resources, mainly mineral and oil revenues.

He said it will be better for such money to be used to improve the lives of people than going into the pockets of a few.

President Akufo Addo said knowledge and power are not the preserve of the elite, hence it is imperative to ensure that all children of school- going age are educated.

President Akufo Addo added that government will accept any constructive criticism to improve the programme.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says as part of government’s Free SHS policy, capitation grant as well as feeding grant and other arrears will be duly honoured.

He said for the first time in the history of the country, students would not have to pay fees before they start school.

He was speaking at the launch of the Free SHS policy in Accra. He said the policy is the greatest legacy of the current government.